Over 240 farm suicides in UP, alleges BJP

BJP today alleged that the ruling Samajwadi Party was not paying heed to farmers' losses and 248 farmers have committed suicide in UP, a charge trashed by the ruling party which claimed opposition is playing "dirty politics" on the sensitive issue.
BJP state president Laxmikant Bajpai alleged,"Over 248 farmers have committed suicide in the state due to apathy of the state government."
"Had the state government issued compensation through District Magistrates timely the situation of suicide might have been averted," he said.
He alleged that the SP government has turned a "blind eye" towards farmers.
"Neither Chief Minister nor any minister of his Cabinet have yet visited anywhere to know about the condition of farmers, who incurred heavy losses due to hailstorm and rain. Even officer of the government have not gone out to know the reality," he said.

While Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is making only announcements, Central team has visited many areas and Narendra Modi government had shown its commitment to minimise farmers' pain due to losses, he said.

However, SP denied the allegation stating that opposition was playing dirty politics on the sensitive issue.
"Some opposition parties are playing dirty politics on the sensitive issue for political gains. They are making farmers their tool for the purpose and that is condemnable," SP spokesman and cabinet minister Rajendra Chowdhury said.
The state government, he claimed, has issued Rs 500 crore till now for relief of farmers and the figure included Rs 200 crore which were released immediately.

"The state has also suspended all revenue realisation and the order for the state were issued immediately when the reports of farmers' losses started. We are also providing relief amount that is double the amount, sanctioned by the Centre," Chowdhury said.
Chief Minister Yadav has demanded relief package of Rs 744 crore from the Centre to provide relief to farmers, who suffered losses of crops between 25 per cent to 50 per cent, he said.
"There are 71 BJP MPs from the state and all of them should pressurise Centre to ensure the farmers of the state get relief," he said.